Hotel Van Zandt

As Austin continues to boom, its boutique-hotel scene grows ever more ambitious — just a decade or two ago something like the Hotel Van Zandt would have been unthinkable. But now it fits right in: polished and imposing public spaces, plush guest rooms, and plenty of local color, including numerous tributes to Austin’s famous music scene.

In it’s the sort of place where you might just make the acquaintance of a traveling band. It’s downtown, located in the historic Rainey Street district, close but not too close to the nightlife center of the city. And the aesthetic is rustic with a refined twist, laid-back and masculine: natural wood, burnished brass, lived-in leather, cool lighting fixtures, modern art installations. The bar-restaurant, Geraldine’s, specializes in craft beers and barbecued short ribs, and hosts live sets by local musicians every night of the week.

Retreat into silence — or plug into the Bluetooth speakers, this being a rock’n’roll hotel — upstairs in one of Hotel Van Zandt’s sleek guest rooms. Luxurious but laid-back, with a crisp white and charcoal gray palette, they’re outfitted in dark wood with warm bronze detailing. Standard amenities include free wi-fi and the aforementioned yoga mats. Suites have extras like soaking tubs, seating areas, and views of Lady Bird Lake.

There’s complimentary coffee in the morning, though should you require a cortado or a flat white instead, that’s also available at the onsite Café 605. Grab a pastry and stake your claim on a poolside chaise — it’s an ideal spot to recover from the night before. There’s a well-equipped fitness center, or, alternatively, there’s whiskey on the Pool Deck. Swing by the social hour, then stop at Geraldine’s to see what’s on the evening lineup before heading out. Or not. Hotel Van Zandt is the kind of hotel where you might happily spend the whole day and night.